Zinedine Zidane RSS feedhttps://www.fourfourtwo.com/zinedine-zidane
enZidane has faith in Real Madrid styleZinedine Zidane believes in Real Madrid's style and hopes they can end their wait for an away win against Borussia Dortmund.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/zidane-has-faith-real-madrid-style
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane says his confidence in the players and the team's style has not waned despite their difficult start to the season.
A return of just three wins from their first six LaLiga games has seen the champions fall seven points behind Barcelona in the table, while their opening Champions League win against APOEL came despite a somewhat unconvincing display.
Madrid take on Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday at Signal Iduna Park, where they have never managed to win in European competition, and the form of Peter Bosz's side has left many predicting a victory for the Bundesliga leaders.
Zidane, however, insists he believes in what Madrid are doing and says their domestic struggles are largely because LaLiga is the most difficult league in the world.
"We're okay. We got a victory last time out and we're happy to play on a beautiful pitch, where they breathe Champions League football," he told a news conference.
"It's true we've never won here and it's a challenge for us. We want to play a good game of football.
#RMUCL
We've arrived in Dortmund!
¡Hemos llegado a Dortmund! pic.twitter.com/OVEFW8XQR3
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) September 25, 2017
"I'm not worried about conceding chances against the opposition. What worries us is playing good football, but the opponents are there to put you in difficulty.
"I believe in what we're doing and the players we have. If we score goals tomorrow, great, but we have to keep doing the same at the weekend.
"LaLiga is the most complicated, the most difficult. For us, the difficulty is maintaining a high level.
"It can happen that we're not brilliant, but I am not worried about how we will play this year."
Toni Kroos is back in the squad after recovering from injury and Zidane says the Germany star looks to be in good condition ahead of the game.
"Kroos looks good and we know his importance to the team," he said.
news_articleMon, 25 Sep 2017 17:31:24 +0000Anonymous769039 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comRonaldo relaxed despite goalscoring woes, says ZidaneZinedine Zidane expects Cristiano Ronaldo to "make a difference" soon for Real Madrid despite another frustrating league outing.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/ronaldo-relaxed-despite-goalscoring-woes-says-zidane
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has no concerns over Cristiano Ronaldo's form despite the forward failing to score for a second straight match on Saturday.
The champions bounced back from their shock midweek loss to Real Betis by seeing off Deportivo Alaves 2-1, courtesy of Dani Ceballos' double.
Madrid's victory would have been more comfortable had Ronaldo not hit the post twice in his second LaLiga outing of the season, with the 32-year-old having now mustered 18 shots without finding the net in the top flight in 2017-18.
The Portugal star also cut a frustrated figure in the 1-0 defeat to Betis but Zidane insists there is little cause for panic.
18 - Cristiano Ronaldo has attempted 18 shots in La Liga, the most for a player without scoring this season. Obsession pic.twitter.com/ARhXVltwmw
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) September 23, 2017
"When you do not score, you are frustrated. But Ronaldo is calm," he said at his post-match news conference.
"He wants to score and he had the chances to do so. In the end, we always know he will make a difference eventually."
Alaves looked set to extend Madrid's patchy start to the season when captain Manu Garcia equalised before the break, but Ceballos quickly responded with his second to help secure just a third win in six league matches.
10' @DaniCeballos46
43' @DaniCeballos46#RMLiga pic.twitter.com/iPCkcdg2sv
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) September 23, 2017
Zidane hailed Ceballos' attitude and promised further first-team chances for the 21-year-old midfielder.
"I am very happy for the player, as he is ready to play and did very well today getting both goals," he said.
"I am happy for him because he is a boy who wants to learn and he will have more opportunities.
"More than just the goals, he has played a great game."
news_articleSat, 23 Sep 2017 18:58:38 +0000Anonymous768453 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comMourinho misses out as Allegri, Conte and Zidane battle for Best FIFA Coach of the YearJuventus' Massimiliano Allegri, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte and Real Madrid's Zinedine Zidane are up for FIFA Coach of the Year.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/mourinho-misses-out-allegri-conte-and-zidane-battle-best-fifa-coach-year
Massimiliano Allegri, Antonio Conte and Zinedine Zidane have been named as the finalists for the Best FIFA Coach of the Year award.
The final three were cut down from an initial list of 10, with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, boss of rivals Manchester City, among the names to be dropped.
Juventus head coach Allegri won Serie A and the Coppa Italia last season, with defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League final denying him a historic treble.
Zidane led that Madrid side, who also triumphed in LaLiga, while Conte tasted Premier League glory in his first season in England, having taken over a side who had ended the previous campaign in 10th place.
The candidates for #TheBest FIFA Men's Coach 2017
@OfficialAllegri
Antonio Conte
Zinedine Zidane
Who will be crowned #TheBest? pic.twitter.com/Cpv9Oe2ru2
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) September 22, 2017
As well as Mourinho and Guardiola, the other bosses initially nominated to subsequently miss out on the final three are Carlo Ancelotti, Luis Enrique, Leonardo Jardim, Joachim low, Mauricio Pochettino, Diego Simeone and Tite.
Claudio Ranieri was named Best FIFA Coach of the Year in 2016 after Leicester City's stunning Premier League triumph, with Zidane and Portugal's Fernando Santos the other finalists.
Also announced on Friday were the 10 nominations for the Puskas award for the best goal of 2017, which will be decided by a fan vote.
Kevin-Prince Boateng, Alejandro Camargo, Denya Castellanos, Moussa Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Aviles Hurtado, Mario Mandzukic, Oscarine Masuluke, Nemanja Matic and Jordi Mboula will have spectacular efforts put to a public vote.
The finalists for the best goalkeeper award are Gianluigi Buffon, Keylor Navas and Manuel Neuer.
Your candidates for #TheBest FIFA Goalkeeper 2017
@gianluigibuffon
@NavasKeylor
@Manuel_Neuer
Who will be crowned #TheBest? pic.twitter.com/xOKBuGzJ8U
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) September 22, 2017
FIFA's Fan Award finalists are Borussia Dortmund, Celtic and Copenhagen, while the best women's player will be between Castellanos, last year's winner Carli Lloyd and Lieke Martens.
The top women's coach will be battled out between Nils Neilsen, Gerard Precheur and Sarina Weigman, with award winners announced on October 23 at a ceremony in London.
news_articleFri, 22 Sep 2017 14:37:00 +0000Anonymous768023 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comI hope he doesn't score! - Zizou wary of Enzo threatEnzo Fernandez could add to his father Zinedine Zidane's worries by helping Deportivo Alaves to extend Real Madrid's poor form on Saturday.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/i-hope-he-doesnt-score-zizou-wary-enzo-threat
Zinedine Zidane is preparing for the unusual experience of coaching against a team featuring his son when Real Madrid visit Deportivo Alaves in LaLiga on Saturday.
Zidane's eldest son Enzo Fernandez left Los Blancos for the Basque club in June and could be in the XI for the hosts at Mendizorrotza this weekend.
Asked how he felt about going up against the 22-year-old midfielder, Zidane told a news conference: "I hope he doesn't score! We are both very competitive, him for himself and me for me.
"It will be a little bit strange but I'm happy for him, he's working hard, he's at a side that is not doing great at the moment but they've got a good squad and they are working well.
"But tomorrow we are up against each other and I'm on the Madrid side, he's on the side of Alaves. It is going to be competitive - that's all."
Questioned further about what the match will mean to him on a personal level, Zidane said: "[I'm] not really thinking too much about that.
"Yes, of course, in some ways it will be a bit more emotional but it's Real Madrid against Alaves, nothing else.
"That's the most important thing for me. He's very competitive and I am as well. We will both do everything possible to try to win, although I'm not going to play and he is.
"I've always watched him as a player. I speak to him as a father. He was with me last year.
"At the moment I'm not his coach, I'm his father. I don't have to give him any tips about football at the moment. The relationship is father and son.
"When we talk that is all we have in the relationship."
Both teams are in need of all three points, Madrid having won just once in their last four LaLiga games, including a 1-0 defeat at home to Real Betis last time out.
Alaves are second bottom and yet to avoid defeat in five league fixtures this season.
news_articleFri, 22 Sep 2017 12:25:36 +0000Anonymous767947 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comZidane not worried after Madrid lose ground on BarcaReigning LaLiga champions Real Madrid have slipped seven points behind leaders and rivals Barcelona but Zinedine Zidane is not worried.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/zidane-not-worried-after-madrid-lose-ground-barca
Zinedine Zidane called for calm after Real Madrid's shock loss at home to Real Betis, insisting there is nothing to be worried about amid the LaLiga champions' stuttering title defence.
Madrid's woes at the Santiago Bernabeu continued on Wednesday, beaten 1-0 by Betis in the Spanish capital, despite the return of reigning Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo from a five-match domestic suspension.
Zidane's men had drawn back-to-back LaLiga matches in Madrid leading into the midweek clash and their winless streak on home soil in the league extended to a third game following Antonio Sanabria's dramatic 94th-minute winner.
It is Madrid's worst run at home in LaLiga since Jose Mourinho's tenure in April 2011 as the titleholders slipped seven points adrift of rivals and leaders Barcelona, however, Zidane is refusing to panic.
"I do not think the situation is delicate," Zidane told reporters post-match.
"We have lost points, but there are also many matches left. All the work we have done is not going to be thrown in the trash because of three bad games at home.
"We have not been successful in the shots on goal. I am the coach of this team and what we need is calm, rest and to think about the next game."
FT: #RealMadrid 0-1 @RealBetis (Sanabria 90'+4')#RMLiga pic.twitter.com/JhPzil7D8K
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 20, 2017
The surprise result also snapped Madrid's record-equalling 73-match scoring streak, extending back to April 2016.
"Today the ball did not want to go in. This is football. No need to review it again," Zidane said.
"It has not been a great match, but it has not been a bad match either. Last season, we won games that maybe we did not deserve and now it's the other way around. Tranquillity."
"I do not think there are any reasons to be concerned. We had a good match in San Sebastian [against Real Sociedad]. Do not be worried," he continued.
"What I always want to do is try to win. I'm not going to change. You can make different changes but the idea is always the same: go for the win and even more so at home."
Asked about Ronaldo and his performance, Zidane said: "I don't think I've had anxiety in either Cristiano or the team.
"Things have not gone well but I insist, you have to have peace of mind, there's a lot left."
news_articleWed, 20 Sep 2017 23:15:43 +0000Anonymous767431 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comCristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid return confirmedCristiano Ronaldo is set to make his first league appearance of the season when Real Madrid take on Real Betis on Wednesday.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/cristiano-ronaldos-real-madrid-return-confirmed
Real Madrid have confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will return to the fold after his domestic suspension against Real Betis.
Ronaldo has not played in LaLiga this season, having been hit with a five-match ban for his dismissal in the first leg of the Supercopa de Espana defeat to Barcelona - a suspension lengthened due to the attacker shoving referee Ricardo de Burgos.
In the Portugal captain's absence, Madrid have lagged behind Barca in the early running of the season, drawing at home to Valencia and Levante as Ernesto Valverde's men have enjoyed a 100 per cent start, extended to five wins with a 6-1 demolition of Eibar on Tuesday.
Ronaldo scored twice when he returned for Madrid in the Champions League against APOEL and Zinedine Zidane will hope for a similar impact, with Karim Benzema expected to miss a month with a hamstring injury.
Mateo Kovacic and Jesus Vallejo (both thigh) are also absent from the squad to face Betis.
#RMLiga
Here's our 19-man squad for tonight's match against @RealBetis_en ! #RMMovistar pic.twitter.com/wVKBywReR7
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) September 20, 2017
news_articleWed, 20 Sep 2017 10:21:23 +0000Anonymous767208 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comNew Real Madrid contract 'already done' for ZidaneAlthough the club is yet to announce the new deal, Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane says a contract extension is "already done".https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/new-real-madrid-contract-already-done-zidane
Zinedine Zidane has confirmed his new Real Madrid contract is "already done", although the Spanish champions holders have yet to announce the deal.
The Los Blancos legend's contract is set to expire at the end of the season, but having won two Champions League medals, LaLiga, the Supercopa de Espana and the UEFA Super Cup since taking charge in January 2016 a fresh deal appears likely.
Isco, Dani Carvajal and Marcelo have all penned renewed terms since the start of the campaign and it appears as if head coach Zidane has also committed his future to the club.
"In terms of the renewal, it's already done, but it doesn't mean anything," Zidane said ahead of Wednesday's home league game against Real Betis.
"I care about the day-to-day and I'm not looking further than that, this is complicated."
We've completed our final session ahead of tomorrow's LaLiga match against @RealBetis_en!#RMCity pic.twitter.com/nIb5Rc498E
— Real Madrid C.F.(@realmadriden) September 19, 2017
A 3-1 win at Real Sociedad left Madrid fourth in LaLiga after four matches, four points behind rivals Barcelona who are yet to drop a point.
But Zidane will be without Theo Hernandez for Tuesday's visit of Betis after the club confirmed the left-back is set for a spell on the sidelines.
"He has been diagnosed with a partial dislocation of the right shoulder," Madrid said in a statement. "His recovery will continue to be assessed."
Desde niño soñaba con este momento. Muy feliz por debutar en la Champions, en este estadio y con una victoria importante. #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/9WWbuEnWVi
— Daniel Ceballos (@DaniCeballos46) September 14, 2017
Zidane could call upon former Betis midfielder Dani Ceballos, whose only LaLiga action since joining Madrid this season came in a brief cameo appearance off the substitutes bench against Sociedad.
"[Ceballos] can play in various positions, that's the good thing about him," Zidane said. "He does not have technical difficulties in playing with the ball and he's smart enough to play in various positions.
"We are at the beginning of the season and it will be very long. Dani is working very well. The other day he played little, but at least he played. He'll have his opportunity to play and to do well."
news_articleTue, 19 Sep 2017 13:48:04 +0000Anonymous766904 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comI hope it's the last time – Zidane relieved to welcome back RonaldoCristiano Ronaldo will return to LaLiga action against Real Betis, much to Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane's relief.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/i-hope-its-last-time-zidane-relieved-welcome-back-ronaldo
Zinedine Zidane hopes Real Madrid will not have to make do without Cristiano Ronaldo again as the Portugal star prepares to make his comeback against Real Betis.
The 32-year-old is set to make his first LaLiga appearance of the season on Wednesday, having served a five-game domestic ban for pushing the referee after being sent off in the Supercopa de Espana first-leg win over Barcelona.
Zidane is delighted to welcome Ronaldo back to the team and says he looks thrilled to be able to return.
"We will not discuss the suspension, we are glad that he is back and I hope that to be the last time we have to do without him," Zidane told a news conference. "I see that Cristiano is happy, because what he likes is to play and to be with his team-mates.
"He's coming back for a league game at home and we know everyone likes to play in this stadium."
Ronaldo scored twice when he played in the 3-0 Champions League win over APOEL at the Santiago Bernabeu but watched his side slip to draws at home to Valencia and Levante in LaLiga in his absence.
Betis boss Quique Setien is unhappy the former Manchester United man will be unleashed against his side.
We've completed our final session ahead of tomorrow's LaLiga match against @RealBetis_en!#RMCity pic.twitter.com/nIb5Rc498E
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) September 19, 2017
"Cristiano is a voracious player in front of goal. Everyone wants to stop him and nobody can stop him," he said.
"Every time you face him, you run the risk of him scoring another goal, because his percentage is very high compared to others."
Gareth Bale has been subjected to jeers from fans for some of his displays during Ronaldo's absence, but the Wales international scored a brilliant goal in Madrid's 3-1 win at Real Sociedad last weekend.
Zidane thinks Bale is short of his best but is confident he is on track to recapture that level of form.
"It's coming little by little. It will take time to see the best Bale. But he's doing well, very well," he said.
"I think it's not incorrect to say that, when there is space, he can do damage, because of the speed he has. We saw that with his goal the other day. But, Gareth is also very good technically.
"He can also play without space, he handles himself well there. It does not hurt him to play with the ball and to bring others into play.
"For me, he is a complete player."
news_articleTue, 19 Sep 2017 12:25:55 +0000Anonymous766872 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comHe demonstrated the player he is – Zidane salutes Bale's goalscoring performanceGareth Bale scored in Real Madrid 3-1 win over Real Sociedad on Sunday and Zinedine Zidane was delighted for the under-fire winger.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/he-demonstrated-player-he-zidane-salutes-bales-goalscoring-performance
Zinedine Zidane saluted the goalscoring performance of Gareth Bale in Real Madrid's win at Real Sociedad, hopeful that it is a "turning point" after a difficult period for the Wales star.
Bale has been a hot topic at the Santiago Bernabeu so far this term, with the 28-year-old becoming the target of jeers from some sections of Madrid supporters on more than one occasion this season.
The former Tottenham star endured an injury-hit campaign last term and is yet to truly rediscover the form of his first three seasons in LaLiga.
But his goal in Sunday's 3-1 victory – a delicate finish after a 50-yard sprint – was his second in four league games this season and Zidane believes he proved a point with his performance.
"I'm very happy for him," Zidane told reporters. "There is a lot of talk about him, but he has demonstrated the player he is.
"It proved to be a great game, not only because of the goal. But I'm happy for the goal because he needed to put it in.
"It's not easy, after a 70metre race. Technically he did it very well and, for me he's not even at his best.
"I know we're going to find [the real] Bale little by little. I know he can do a lot better, but we have to be patient, as I said before the game."
Zidane also reserved special praise for Borja Mayoral, who scored his first LaLiga goal in what his first league start in Spain since April 2016.
"He's a good player," Zidane said. "He's young man, but he could have an important role, so I'm very happy for him.
"He's had the opportunity to play and he's done well."
news_articleSun, 17 Sep 2017 23:12:02 +0000Anonymous766384 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comIsco pays tribute to Zidane following contract renewalReal Madrid announced on Thursday Isco has signed a new five-year contract, and the man himself believes he has one person to thank.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/isco-pays-tribute-zidane-following-contract-renewal
Isco paid tribute to Zinedine Zidane for his role in developing his talents after signing a new five-year Real Madrid contract.
The Spain international joined Madrid from Malaga in 2013 and has enjoyed an immensely successful time at the Santiago Bernabeu, winning 11 trophies with the club.
It was announced on Thursday the 25-year-old had agreed a new deal which will tie him to the club until 2022, rewarding him for becoming a key player in Zidane's squad.
Isco has not always had everything his own way at Madrid, however, with James Rodriguez's arrival in 2014 providing him with competition and forcing the Spaniard to accept a squad role.
But with James' loan move to Bayern Munich in the close-season, Isco's success in their duel was apparent and the Valencia youth product praised Zidane for his guidance during those more difficult periods.
"I've grown as a footballer," Isco told reporters at a media conference. "I've improved, and perhaps I score now as I play closer to the area.
"Zizou [Zidane] has been very important. He's put me there [in a more advanced role]. I've also had to have patience when I didn't have as many opportunities. But it has always been my idea to stay here and hopefully I do for many years.
"The truth is I'm very happy and proud to be able to keep playing for the best team in the world. Eleven trophies in four years is unbelievable – I couldn't have hoped for more."
@isco_alarcon's contract extension.
https://t.co/GwsP2JFgYU#HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/sEQP2lEe6s
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) September 14, 2017
Before Zidane's arrival at Madrid, Isco was often deployed in a deeper role, a position which failed to make the most of his craft in the final third.
But Zidane refused to follow a similar path to some of his predecessors, another thing Isco believes Frenchman deserves credit for.
"The boss has been very important for me," Isco added. "He has given me a lot of confidence in difficult moments, and I've responded to that.
"I think he's right, because I'm now playing further forward. He knows me, has done for many years and knows how to get the best out of me.
"Since the day he arrived he has always told me that he's counting on me, that he trusts me, from the first moment.
"I've been patient when others have been more involved. That's what a team is all about, but I took my chance."
Isco signed off by explaining what Real Madrid means to him, and he was unequivocal about the stature he believes the club has.
"It's hard to explain [what Madrid means] in words," he said. "It's the biggest club in history.
"Everyone wants to be a Real Madrid player. I'm lucky to here with the best players in the world. Madrid has helped me achieve many of my dreams since I was little."
news_articleFri, 15 Sep 2017 13:51:48 +0000Anonymous765572 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comZidane hails 'best in the world' Ronaldo after two-goal returnZinedine Zidane hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as the best in the world and praised Gareth Bale's versatility after Real Madrid's win over APOEL.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/zidane-hails-best-world-ronaldo-after-two-goal-return
Zinedine Zidane reiterated the importance of Cristiano Ronaldo after the talismanic attacker alleviated Real Madrid's goalscoring concerns with a trademark brace in Wednesday's 3-0 defeat of APOEL.
Still serving a five-match domestic ban for pushing the referee in last month's Supercopa de Espana, Ronaldo showed few signs of rustiness by improving his Champions League tally to 107 goals.
The reigning Ballon d'Or winner netted the opener inside 12 minutes and added a second from the penalty spot after half-time to kick-start his side's bid for a third straight European title.
Ronaldo's return could hardly have come at a better time for Madrid after striker Karim Benzema was ruled out for at least a month with a thigh injury.
"He [Ronaldo] is the best in the world," Zidane told beIN Sports after the match.
"He is always there when we need him and he always scores. If he was luckier today he could have scored four.
"He is a key player for us [and] I hope he continues in the same vain."
⁠⁠⁠⁠@GarethBale11 @Cristiano #RealMadrid 1-0 @apoelfcofficial pic.twitter.com/rQewqz19q2
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 13, 2017
Zidane also talked up the value of Gareth Bale after the Wales winger was whistled by some sections of the Santiago Bernabeu crowd upon his substitution in the 82nd minute.
Bale set up Ronaldo's opener and earned the backing of his coach.
"Bale is capable of playing in a number of positions and on the left he can do a good job too," Zidane said.
"He showed his flexibility. Today we started with Ronaldo and Bale as forwards and then he shifted. I am pleased with the side in general and above all the second half."
news_articleWed, 13 Sep 2017 22:43:11 +0000Anonymous764966 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comReal Madrid 3 APOEL 0: Returning Ronaldo at the double as champions cruiseCristiano Ronaldo was at the double as Real Madrid started their Champions League defence with a 2-0 win over APOEL.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/real-madrid-3-apoel-0-returning-ronaldo-double-champions-cruise
Cristiano Ronaldo put his domestic frustration behind him by scoring a brace on his Real Madrid return as Los Blancos began their quest for a third straight Champions League title with a routine 3-0 win over APOEL.
The Portugal superstar is still serving the remainder of a five-match ban in Spain for pushing the referee in the Supercopa de Espana, but Ronaldo made up for lost time by once again proving the difference at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Zinedine Zidane's side, without Karim Benzema due to a thigh injury, have been held to a pair of draws in their two LaLiga fixtures at home this season, but Ronaldo ensured there was little chance of a repeat against the Cypriot outfit.
The Champions League's all-time leading goalscorer netted the first in the 12th minute and put the result beyond doubt with a second-half penalty, his 107th goal in the competition.
Sergio Ramos' exquisite bicycle kick capped an untroubled victory and eased any lingering tension from the league stalemates.
With the 4-1 thrashing of Juventus in last season's final still fresh in the memory, Madrid undoubtedly remain the team to beat in a strong Group H.
12 - Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 12 goals for Real Madrid with his last 16 shots on target (all competitions). Monster. pic.twitter.com/seqU81niQ5
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) September 13, 2017
Ronaldo wasted little time in getting back on the scoresheet, announcing his return with the opener inside 12 minutes.
Spain star Isco led a quick counter-attack down the left and linked up with Gareth Bale, who supplied a superb low cross for Ronaldo to clinically fire home at the far post.
Wales winger Bale looked for a repeat assist shortly after, but Ronaldo this time headed the aerial delivery around the post from a narrow angle.
It was not all good news for Zidane early, though, as Mateo Kovacic was forced off with a leg complaint after 25 minutes, the Croatian replaced by Toni Kroos in midfield.
The hosts continued to monopolise possession throughout the half without managing to pile the pressure on APOEL, who set up camp on the edge of the area and were content to have conceded just a single shot on target by the interval.
Ronaldo looked destined to double his tally within seconds of the restart only to see his volley from Dani Carvajal's cross come back off the woodwork, with suggestions that the ball crossed the line waved away by the referee.
He only had to wait a matter of moments to instead make it 2-0 from the penalty spot, firing low to Boy Waterman's right after APOEL defender Roberto Lago was punished for a handball in the area.
The Portugal captain was soon denied claims for a second penalty as Zidane's side looked to put the contest to bed as quickly as possible.
Ramos ensured they did just that in eye-catching fashion just after the hour, drifting forward and producing an athletic bicycle kick from Bale's deflected header across goal.
APOEL goalkeeper Waterman did his best to keep the deficit down by denying Ronaldo a second at close-range, but by that stage the champions were well and truly on their way to the top of Group H.
Substitute Borja Mayoral looked to have made it 4-0 in the final minute of stoppage time, only for Ronaldo to have been ruled offside for his role in the build-up.
Madrid's next European assignment is a trip to face Peter Bosz's Dortmund, while APOEL will host Tottenham in Nicosia.
news_articleWed, 13 Sep 2017 20:42:26 +0000Anonymous764877 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comZidane: Real Madrid not dependent on returning RonaldoReal Madrid have not been at their best without Cristiano Ronaldo, but Zinedine Zidane does not think his team is dependent on the star.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/zidane-real-madrid-not-dependent-returning-ronaldo
Zinedine Zidane has rejected suggestions Real Madrid are dependent on Cristiano Ronaldo following a stuttering start to their defence of LaLiga in the Portuguese star's absence.
Ronaldo was dismissed during the first leg of their Supercopa de Espana triumph over Barcelona and received a five-match ban for shoving the referee.
Madrid went on to win their first league game of the season in his absence, but that was followed by successive home draws with Valencia and Levante.
Ronaldo is eligible to feature in Wednesday's Champions League group-stage opener at home to Cypriot side APOEL, as Madrid look to get back to winning ways and begin the defence of their European crown in strong fashion.
#RMUCL
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Zidane was quick to insist there is more to his team than the Ballon d'Or winner, although he is relieved to have Ronaldo back for this game.
"You know who Cristiano is," Zidane told reporters at his pre-match media conference. "We cannot talk about a dependency, but I always want him to be with us.
"What interests me is that everyone can play. Cristiano brings not only goals, but is a leader as well and he always wants to win. He transmits that [to his team-mates]. We are all happy that he is with us.
"He's very focused on what he has to do. In addition, he is very happy to play again because it is what he likes, what makes him happy.
"And we are happy too, because he is mentally very well, physically very fine. I am very happy to see him on the pitch again.
"He's going to play tomorrow, but we're not going to have him on Sunday. I hope Sunday is the last game of the season that he is not here."
news_articleTue, 12 Sep 2017 13:29:08 +0000Anonymous764257 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comAsensio: Zidane said my left foot was best since MessiZinedine Zidane told Marco Asensio the Real Madrid attacker's left foot was the best he had seen since Lionel Messi.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/asensio-zidane-said-my-left-foot-was-best-messi
Real Madrid star Marco Asensio revealed coach Zinedine Zidane had told him his left foot was the best he had seen since Lionel Messi.
Asensio has made an impressive start to the season, scoring four goals in six matches for Madrid.
The 21-year-old Spain international has been lauded for his performances, and Zidane has clearly been impressed.
Asensio said the Frenchman had compared him to Barcelona maestro Messi, who is arguably the best player in the world.
"Zidane told me that since Messi, he had never seen a left foot like mine," he told COPE.
"I was a little impressed, because Messi is a piece of a footballer."
Messi has helped Barcelona make a fine start to the LaLiga season, Ernesto Valverde's men claiming three wins from as many games despite Neymar's €222million move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Asensio, whose team has collected just five points from their opening three games, said he was surprised Barca were unable to keep Neymar.
"We thought it was strange that Neymar left Barcelona," he said.
"He was an important player for them and they couldn't hold onto him. It seemed a bit strange."
news_articleTue, 12 Sep 2017 04:48:25 +0000Anonymous764159 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comRonaldo 'the best in the world', says ZidaneZinedine Zidane's appreciation of Cristiano Ronaldo's talent is only likely to have increased during the Real Madrid star's suspension.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/ronaldo-best-world-says-zidane
Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world and his dedication encourages team-mates to improve, according to Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane.
The Portugal captain received the Ballon d'Or in 2016 and is favoured by many to retain that individual accolade this year.
By doing so, he would draw level with Lionel Messi as a five-time winner and his coach has no doubts about the elite status of the 32-year-old forward.
In an interview with Telefoot, Zidane said of Ronaldo: "A great player, the best in the world, I am with wonderful football players and professionally also, because they always motivate [each other].
"He [Ronaldo] could say 'today I will relax', but he pushes others and makes them better."
Zidane has enjoyed a hugely successful reign as Madrid coach, winning LaLiga last season and the Champions League twice since succeeding Rafael Benitez in January 2016.
"Seven trophies… there's a lot of work behind [me], there's a club, a team and an extraordinary backdrop," he said of his glittering tenure.
"I prepared, I dedicated myself thoroughly to be able to say, if one day I train [the first team] 'you have to be ready'.
"I'm very happy with what I'm doing… the context is unique, I'm the coach of this team, so I really enjoy it because I know it's going to stop one day.
"And I'm enjoying it, it's the biggest club in the world."
In the absence of the suspended Ronaldo, Madrid have drawn their last two Liga matches, at home to Valencia and Levante.
They begin their defence of the Champions League with the visit of APOEL to the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
news_articleSun, 10 Sep 2017 11:56:06 +0000Anonymous763584 at https://www.fourfourtwo.com